Welcome to Little Rock, the heart of Arkansas and a treasure trove of cultural vibrancy and urban charm! If you’re planning a road trip or seeking fresh escapades, you’ve struck gold. Little Rock is steeped in delightful surprises, and I’m anxious to guide you through my personal trove of fun things in Little Rock you won’t want to miss.
Capitol Adventures and Historical Memorials
Exploring state capitals can yield fascinating insights, and Little Rock’s Capitol Hill is no exception. The stately Neoclassical Arkansas State Capitol captivates with its stony façade and 24-karat gold-plated cupola—a sight that paints a rich history spanning from 1899 to 1911.
Beyond its marble floors and Tiffany chandeliers, the Capitol houses a poignant outdoor exhibit, “Testament: The Little Rock Nine Monument,” which honors the bravery of nine African-American students who pioneered school integration in 1957 – a momentous event in Civil Rights history.
River Market District: The Pulse of Little Rock
Picture this: a bustling epicenter where the buzzing sounds of life reverberate against the backdrop of the beautiful Arkansas River. This is the River Market District, a melting pot of sumptuous eateries, cozy bars, inspiring art galleries, and museums worth losing yourself in.
You can lazily wander the riverbanks, where ginkgo Biloba trees flaunt their golden hues, or soak up the vibrant ambiance.
While exploring, hop on the METRO streetcar for a novel view of the city’s landmarks, narrated by streetcar operators who know this town inside out. As dusk settles, the hourly bridge glow show transforms the Arkansas River into an enchanting light display.
Seasonal Serenades and Culinary Delights
When summer unfurls its warmth over Little Rock, the riverbanks become stages for live music that melts into the night air. Spoil your taste buds at local hotspots like Prost and Dizzy’s Gypsy Bistro, and make sure to watch the River Market’s night come alive as the RMED (River Market Entertainment District) invites those 21+ to savor a stroll with a drink in hand until the clock strikes midnight.
Festive Flavors at Camp Taco
For a tantalizing taste of local cuisine with a twist, look no further than Camp Taco. This lively spot is the brainchild of the Lost Forty Brewing team. Kicking off with chips and a quartet of salsa options, including the fiery hotter than Hades ‘sunsetter,’ we couldn’t pass up the White Poblano Cheese Dip.
Camp Taco’s menu delights with tacos, salads, bowls, and Mexican ramen. If you’ve never tried paletas – Mexico’s refreshing fruit-based icy treats – get ready for a delightful discovery! Available in both virgin and boozy variants, they’re the perfect sweet treat to round out your meal. I had the orange-cream version.
Pro Tip: If you love pickled vegetables, as I do, try the Camp Pickles side dish of rainbow carrots.
Presidential History Up Close
Take a stroll through the past at the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, where the legacy of the 42nd US president unfolds. Set in the Clinton Presidential Center & Park, the museum welcomes visitors with a medley of exhibits, from an Oval Office replica to an extensive timeline of President Clinton’s career.
I found the library and museum exhibits interesting, and the state-of-the-art facility is definitely worth visiting. It should only take an hour or two to tour the facility unless you want to dig deep into the offerings. Even my five-year-old granddaughter enjoyed it, though a temporary dinosaur exhibit helped with that.
Military personnel enjoy complimentary entry – a generous nod to their service – and there are discounts for students and seniors. Free admission days commemorate Presidents’ Day and the weekend preceding Bill Clinton’s birthday each August.
A Glimpse into Hollywood History
Surprisingly, Little Rock holds a fragment of Hollywood history. The Old Mill, featured in the opening of ‘Gone With The Wind,’ stands proudly in T. R. Pugh Memorial Park. Though built in 1933, it convincingly played the part of an 1880s grist mill to moviegoers in 1939.
The Old Mill is a picturesque site that transcends its cinematic claim to fame. In the fall, the kaleidoscope of autumn leaves enhances the already stunning scene, inviting visitors to traverse the park’s bridges and pathways, camera in hand.
Waffles and Museums for a Perfect Morning
Are you craving a breakfast adventure? Press Waffle Co. won’t just serve you a waffle—it delivers a culinary sonnet of flavors with its delectable and diverse menu. Indulge yourself by biting into a Liege waffle, a thick delight unlike any other, with clusters of caramelized sugar serenading your taste buds.
And for the more daring, the Elvis Waffle, with its ensemble of bananas, honey, bacon, and peanut butter, is a concert of tastes that will surely satisfy.
And for a dash of the unique, the Esse Purse Museum awaits with a century’s worth of handbag history and fashionable exhibits. The walkthrough of What’s in a Purse spans several decades and is thought-provoking and intriguing. The museum really is riveting, and it’s a place you didn’t know you needed to visit until you did.
At $10 a ticket, it’s a steal for an enriching experience that offers the chance to shop for bespoke handbags in a quaint museum store. The museum is closed on Mondays, but does have a free parking lot beside it.
Retail Therapy at the Outlets of Little Rock
Shopaholics rejoice! The Outlets of Little Rock offer a blissful escape into retail paradise with over 50 stores. Fashion staples like Levi’s stand alongside quirky finds like Rocket Fizz — a haven for craft soda and retro sweets enthusiasts.
For those preferring a traditional mall setting, also a great rainy day activity, consider Promenade at Chenal or the Pleasant Ridge Town Center in West Little Rock.
Big Taste at Big Orange
If tantalizing your palate is what you’re here for, make a beeline for Big Orange. From burgers that redefine succulence to salads that weave exotic flavors into every forkful, dining here is a culinary crusade. Start with the cheese dip, which is made Arkansas-style with Rotel tomatoes.
The star? The Delta Blue Cheeseburger is a harmonious marriage of robust beef and fresh garden picks, accompanied by the twang of red pepper jelly and garlic mayo.
Beyond the Eats: Discoveries for Everyone
And Little Rock’s wonders extend beyond the table. For families, the Museum of Discovery is a playground of knowledge that thrills and educates with interactive exhibits—Tornado Alley is a must! I’d guess that most families can easily spend two to three hours here without getting bored.
For a whimsical twist, the Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden is an outdoor gallery nestled along the riverbanks. Although a feast for the eyes, stay vigilant as some areas are better explored during the day for safety’s sake.
If you’re keen on eye-catching panoramas, the Big Dam Bridge offers photographic splendor alongside pedestrian paths above the Arkansas River, claiming fame as North America’s longest bridge of its kind.
Civil Rights Pilgrimage
Beyond entertainment, Little Rock bears witness to significant moments in American history. The Civil Rights Museum at Little Rock Central High School invites visitors to step into the narrative of the Little Rock Nine, whose struggle against racial segregation in 1957 marked a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement.
The National Park Service manages the site.
The Little Rock Crisis followed, where the Governor of Arkansas prevented the students from attending school. I won’t spoil the story for you, but the Little Rock Central High School site is worth visiting and learning about.
Artistic Expression
Wander amidst Little Rock’s vibrant murals on a captivating tour downtown, where local artists capture everything from dancing produce to butterflies and Instagram-worthy creations.
My favorites were Playtime (a Radio Flyer wagon holding all the downtown Little Rock treasures), Everyone’s Neighborhood (the downtown Little Rock skyline), and Chanel.
Where to Rest Your Head
RV enthusiasts look no further than the Little Rock North/Jct. I-40 KOA Journey for its poolside recreation and convenient location. They even have a fitness center with a sauna.
If boutique hotel comforts beckon, Tru By Hilton North Little Rock presents a modern oasis with all the perks, including a pet-friendly policy, albeit with a small deposit. The complimentary breakfast got a big thumbs up as the variety of hot foods and food taste were stellar. We also put the huge indoor pool to good use.
Add This City To Your Road Trip Adventures
Little Rock is a city that dances to its own rhythm, and it beckons explorers with an appetite for culinary and cultural adventures. Surprises abound in this unhurried slice of urban delight.
I hope to have piqued your curiosity enough to make Little Rock your next travel chapter.
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